Advancing God's Kingdom on Earth

The building God's kingdom is a central theme throughout the Bible, and there are numerous verses that encourage Christians to participate in this mission. Here are a few examples:

1. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

3. Mark 1:15 - "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"

4. Luke 9:2 - "And he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."

5. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

These verses (and many others) urge Christians to actively participate in building God's kingdom on earth by spreading the gospel, making disciples, and engaging in acts of love and service towards others. The specific ways in which this mission is carried out may vary depending on a person's individual gifts and calling, but the underlying goal remains the same: to bring glory to God and to advance his kingdom on earth.

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Consequences of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus

 Here are a few consequences of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, as recorded in the Bible:

1. The betrayal led directly to Jesus' arrest and subsequent crucifixion, which was a pivotal moment in Christian theology and salvation history. (Matthew 26:47-56, 27:1-26)

2. Judas' actions led to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being betrayed by a close associate. (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12-13)

3. After his betrayal, Judas experienced deep regret and remorse, but ultimately committed suicide rather than seeking forgiveness or reconciliation. (Matthew 27:3-10)

4. Judas' actions led to the need for a replacement among the apostles, which was ultimately filled by Matthias. (Acts 1:15-26)

These consequences highlight the seriousness and gravity of Judas' betrayal, and suggest that his actions had far-reaching spiritual and historical implications. They also underscore the importance of faithfulness and loyalty among Jesus' followers, and the need for all of us to carefully consider the consequences of our actions and choices.

Consider your choices, face the truth, repent to Christ - the only way to be made anew!

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The Shema calls us to active Obedience

 Active obedience refers to the idea of actively living out one's faith through actions and deeds that reflect one's beliefs and values. In the context of the Shema, active obedience means not only hearing the words but also living out the commandment to love and serve God with all one's heart, soul, and might. This involves actively seeking to follow God's commandments, to live according to His will, and to serve others in love and compassion.

Active obedience is an important concept in many religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity. It is based on the idea that faith is not just a matter of belief or personal conviction but also involves a commitment to action and service. Active obedience is a way of expressing one's faith in concrete and tangible ways and is an important part of living a life that is pleasing to God.

Don't just hear it, live it! The Shema calls us to active obedience.

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Perseverance through patience

 Jesus' display of patience and how following his example leads us to eternal life:

I. Jesus' display of patience

A. Enduring temptation in the wilderness for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11)

B. Forgiving his persecutors on the cross (Luke 23:34)

C. Waiting for God's timing before beginning his public ministry (John 2:4)

II. The importance of following Jesus' example of patience

A. Patience leads to spiritual growth and maturity (James 1:4)

B. Patience is necessary for enduring trials and hardships (James 1:12)

C. Patience demonstrates faith in God's plan and timing (Hebrews 6:15)

III. How following Jesus' example of patience leads to eternal life

A. Patience in persevering in faith leads to salvation (Matthew 24:13)

B. Patience in doing good works leads to eternal rewards (Galatians 6:9)

C. Patience in waiting for the Lord's coming leads to eternal glory (James 5:7-8)

Perseverance with patience, follow Jesus' way. Endure for eternity, starting today!

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Who is the King of Glory?

 The King of Glory is, the one who is above all kings and the source of all honor and glory. In Psalm 24:7-10, the psalmist is callin' out to the gates of the city to open up and receive the King of Glory, who is none other than the Lord of Hosts, Yahweh Sabaoth in Hebrew.

Now, the King of Glory, or "Melech hakavod" in Hebrew, represents the sovereignty and rule of God over all of ncreation. This is a declaration of His greatness, His power, and His control over all things. And this is something that we should all recognizeĥ and acknowledge in our own lives.

In Jewish tradition, the King of Glory is tied to the hope for the Messianic Age, when God will rule with justice and righteousness. And in the New Testament, the King of Glory is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, with all authority and power over all things.

So, what we are saying to you, friends? We are saying that you have to recognize the King of Glory in your own life. Open up your heart and let the Lord of Hosts come in, so that you too can experience the fullness of His sovereignty, power, and glory. Don't be like those gates, closed off and resistant to the King of Glory. No, lift up your heads and open up your hearts, so that the King of Glory can come in and reign in your life.

Honor the King of Kings, the Lord of all things.

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Look to the Hills, for Strength... Why?

 Good question, 

In the ancient Near East, the hills were often seen as places of safety and refuge because they offered higher ground and a clear view of the surrounding area, which made it easier to spot approaching danger. Additionally, the hills were often less fertile and less inhabited than the valleys, so they were less likely to be targeted by attackers who were looking to conquer land and resources.

In a spiritual sense, the hills in the Bible symbolize a higher power or source of strength. In this context, "looking to the hills" is a way of expressing one's trust in God and seeking refuge in Him. It conveys the idea that, just as people in ancient times looked to the hills for protection, Christians can look to God for safety, guidance, and support.

So, when the psalmist says "I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?" they are making a statement about their faith in God and relying on Him for protection and support, even in times of danger or uncertainty.

Look to the Hills, Find Strength in God - Stand Tall and Fear Not!

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Fear as a Weapon?

Fear as a Weapon?

In the Bible, fear is sometimes portrayed as a weapon that can be used by those in positions of power to control or manipulate others. This type of fear is often associated with violence, threats, and intimidation, and is often seen as a negative force.

For example, King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel uses fear as a weapon to force the Israelites to worship his image. He threatens to throw them into a fiery furnace if they do not comply, hoping to instill fear in the people and assert his power.

Similarly, throughout history, many governments and leaders have used fear as a tool of oppression, spreading propaganda and threatening violence to maintain their power.

In contrast, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear through faith in God. For example, in Isaiah 41:10, God says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This verse and others like it encourage people to overcome their fears by relying on God's presence and protection.

In summary, the Bible recognizes that fear can be a powerful weapon, but it also emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear through faith in God and trusting in HIS love and protection.

Face your fears with faith: Fear Not!

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